I'm Thankful...

Last week I asked readers to post things that you are thankful to God for. Tonight, I post my list of what I'm thankful to God about...

1. God; He is patient and longsuffering, unchanging and just, extending grace to the humble, wanting none to perish, and inviting me to be an Ambassador of His Kingdom here on Earth. (I thank Him for His word that teaches me of His character and ways.)
   
2. Renee; We are husband and wife for nearly 22 years (December 20). Renee has been willing for most of our married years to live far from family separated by miles and time zones to be my friend and partner in ministry. She is a caring mother to our two (grown) boys. I'm thankful to God for her companionship. We are currently reading "the Problem of Pain" together (C.S. Lewis). Renee is finishing her teaching degree at Idaho State University. (I would be amiss to not mention my gratitude to God for the parents and grandparents of Renee, and their care of my bride.)
   
3. David and Silas;
   Our older son, David (20 years old) in the United States Air Force. (Will be home for Christmas, if God will allow). God has used David many times to teach me many deep dimensions of life. I enjoy reading his poems and reflections as a young man in our American culture.
   Our younger son, Silas (17 today, 18 next Sunday) is a senior at Twin Falls High School. God has used Silas many times to teach me about trusting God in all things. David and Silas have been missionary partners multiple times and God uses them to encourage me that if this generation will seek the face of God like this, that we may well see an awakening toward God, and it most likely is already happening.
4. Eastside Baptist Church, You are a kind and benevolent body of believers. You allow me, your pastor, to live out my faith in front of you. You display a willingness to walk with me in obeying God's call upon our lives together and God's invitation to us to global evangelism. You are willing to take Godly risk and longing to know God.
5. Dad and Mom; God extended grace to me before I was formed by his hand to give me such parents as you.
6. Les and Mark (brothers); God has used you in my life in ways that I suppose we most likely will not know for many years. I have many memories that are packed with joy and laughter. (plus you make great sermon illustrations of our childhood days of which I'm usually the one being picked upon by one or the other of you.) God has blessed my family through you and your families.
   
7. From here on, I begin to run a grave risk of missing another by name or miss a blessing of God altogether and sound non-thankful for so much of the kindness of our God. I thank God for every remembrance that I have of you.

Happy Thanksgiving! (Beginning Tuesday, I'll be on a four day break from most computer things.)